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Big Dog Health Problems

If you're the proud owner of a large, X-large or giant breed, there are a range of big dog health problems that you need to be aware of.

Although these big guys (and gals) tend to look strong and robust, and even as puppies they're often built like tanks, it's important to realize that they're still at risk for developing some very specific health issues.

I've taken a closer look at some of the most common diseases/conditions belo.

Although these problems are NOT entirely exclusive to large, extra-large or giant dog breeds, many of them are most often seen in these groups.

Of course small breeds have their own unique health challenges (especially when you start to look at the tiny/teacup varieties) and those at the top or bottom of the size-scale seem to fare the worst.

BUT don't panic! Having an owner who is aware of the risks, and knows what to do if problems do show up, gives your big 'un the best chance at living a long, happy and healthy life.

You can use these quick links to jump straight to the section/category you're interested in, or simply scroll down to read the entire article.

Some of them (including Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers and 'bully breeds' such as Pitbulls) have immune systems that are especially vulnerable to the highly contagious and extremely dangerous Parvovirus.

They can catch it very easily and react severely once infected.

Vaccinating puppies against the most common, contagious dog diseases is important for their protection, but it's also important to be aware of the possible side effects from vaccines, and the dangers of OVER vaccination.

Of course exercise is as important for your XL best friend as it is for you, but it's important not to overdo it, especially with large or giant breed puppies.

This is because their
bodies are growing at a phenomenal rate during the early months and
bones, joints and ligaments can have trouble 'keeping up'.

This can result in sprains, tears, dislocations and other orthopedic problems.

It's also important tokeep large and extra-large breed puppies on the 'lean' side during this period.

Excess pounds put additional strain on their growing frame and muscle structure and can also be the cause of joint damage.

An overweight dog (regardless of breed size) is also at risk of heart problems, diabetes and other conditions in pretty much the same way humans are.

Bigger isn't better, so never try to make your large-breed puppy grow bigger, or faster, than he is naturally inclined to do. It's a recipe for trouble!

Now let's take a look at some of the more common health conditions that affect large, extra large and giant dog breeds.

Bones, Joints, Muscles & Ligaments

Big dogs can be surprisingly fragile when it comes to their skeletal frame!

The extra size/weight, plus the rapid growth that our big dogs experience in the first year play a big role in this.

Here are some of the most common orthopedic problems seen in large breed dogs....

Dysplasia, Ligament Tears & Panosteitis (Growing Pains)

These include Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, which are orthopedic conditions caused by malformed or 'poorly fitting' joints.

This can be a genetic problem, or caused by poor diet, jumping from height, or by exercising a growing puppy too hard/too much.

One of the best ways to make sure the puppy you choose is less likely to develop hip or elbow dysplasia is to make sure that you buy from a reputable, responsible breeder whose parent dogs (and preferably grand-parents and great-grandparents too) have an OFA certification of 'Good' or 'Excellent'.

This will go a long way to eliminating dysplasia that has a genetic component,.

Cruciate ligament damage (usually to the back leg in the 'knee' area) are fairly common. Can happen for no apparent reason, but uneven ground, turning abruptly, or falling can all cause it.

Panosteitis(often called 'Pano') is a condition caused by inflammation in the
growing joints of a young or adolescent pup. It causes lameness or
limping.

Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (or HOD) causes
swollen/painful joints (often the lower joint in the front legs), and
can be triggered by several things including infection, improper diet,
vaccine reactions and more.

This condition can cause the joints to
become malformed and your pup may 'knuckle-over' or his front legs may
become bowed.

A nutritionally balance diet can help to prevent many bone/joint problems.

Gentle exercise, a memory foam and/or heated bed, carpeted floors or non-slip rugs/runners and elevated dog bowls can all make life more comfy for your arthritic pet.

There are treatment options including medications such as Rimadyl or Derramax (by prescription from your veterinarian), or you can give him Aspirin (preferably one that is specially coated and formulated for dogs).

Wobblers Syndrome

Also known as Spondylolitheses, this is one of the big dog health problems which affects some extra large breed dogs, mainly Great Danes and Doberman
Pinschers (although Bullmastiffs and St. Bernards, Rhodesian Ridgebacks
and Borzois have been known to exhibit similar symptoms). It's also more
common in males than in females.

This syndrome is caused by a narrowing
or malformation of the vertebrae in the dogs neck, which puts pressure
on the rest of the spine.

It usually appears in adolescent Great Danes, somewhere between 5 and 18
months of age, but usually shows up much later in Dobermans, at around 4
or 5 years of age.

Symptoms are usually a 'wobbly' or unsteady
gait, or weakness, lameness (normally in the back legs), the symptoms
gradually get worse, and occasionally paralysis can occur.

Treatment might include a neck brace, steroids or surgery, depending on the severity of
the condition.

Heart Problems In Large Breeds

There's a lot of strain on a big dog's heart... that large frame and weight needs a strong heart to support it.

Some heart conditions in big dogs are genetic, others can be caused by illness, infection, even parasites.

Even if it's not too late, heartworm treatment is long, painful and expensive.

It's MUCH easier to prevent heartworm than to treat it. Giving your dog a monthly heartworm preventative is quick and easy, and could literally save his life.

Other Big Dog Health Problems

There are several other health conditions which occur in big dogs, but not necessarily exclusively.

Dogs of any size/breed could potentially develop them too.

Hypothyroidism

This is a condition of the thyroid gland, where it produces too little of the hormone thyroxin.

It's fairly common in some giant breed dogs and symptoms include unexplained weight gain, lethargy and skin conditions such as thinning hair, darkened skin, itching and so on.

Hypothyroidism
in dogs is usually treated with hormone supplementation.

If you'd prefer to try the natural approach to your dogs thyroid problems, try
Canine Thyro-up for Dog Hypothyroidism. This all-natural, herbal product contains no synthetic hormones, has no harmful side effects and is safe for long-term use.

Bloat or Torsion

This is a very serious condition and is also known as Gastric
Dilatation Volvulus (GDV).

It's a condition that mostly affects large,
deep-chested dog breeds including Great Danes, Greyhounds, Bullmastiffs,
and St. Bernards (among others).

Smaller dogs who have big/deep rib-cages are also at risk, Dachshunds are an example of these.

It's a condition where the stomach
fills suddenly with gas and twists into an unnatural position, basically
cutting off the passages between the stomach and the esophagus and the
stomach and the intestines.

This is life-threatening and, unless
recognized and treated quickly, is often fatal.

The causes of bloat aren't fully understood, but there are some
things that seem to trigger it. These include:

eating too much at one
sitting (especially common if the dog is fed once a day)

eating too
fast

drinking a lot of water very quickly

and indulging in vigorous exercise too
soon after eating/drinking

The symptoms of bloat include:

excessive
panting

pacing or whining

drooling

retching or dry-heaving

vomiting (although your dog may
not actually bring back up any food due to the twisted stomach)

a swollen or distended belly.

If you notice any of these symptoms,
get your dog to a veterinarian or emergency animal hospital IMMEDIATELY.

For an in-depth look at Bloat (including causes, symptoms and treatment), check out this page... Dog Bloat

Although they're by no means guaranteed to prevent bloat, using elevated dog bowls
for your big guy's food and water can help minimize risks.

This is
because they make it easier for your dog to eat in a comfortable
position and reduce the amount of air he swallows (a factor in
triggering bloat).